It's disheartening to see that Matthew Yglesias has book, with an economic argument no less, that is incredibly popular here on HN. He's been discredited by many economists from the left/right/libertarian. That is, when his arguments aren't simply ad hominems.

If you've read this book, do yourself a favor and read some refutations. Or do one better, and learn economics so you can think about these issues clearly.

http://www.amazon.com/Economics-One-Lesson-Shortest-Understa...